Internship | Modeling and analysis of deadlines in production systems using LSAT

A key objective in production systems is to maximize productivity, for example maximizing the number of products produced per hour. This implies that typically, actions in the system should be executed as soon as the required resource is available. However, there are sometimes also situations where actions should not be executed as soon as possible. For example, in a pizzeria, the cook should only start baking a pizza when he knows that a delivery person is available the moment that it is ready. You don't want to get a cold pizza when starting the weekend.

LSAT (Logistics Specification and Analysis Tool) is a tool that can be used to specify and analyze production systems. Systems are modeled in a lightweight way in terms of the system resources, the system behavior and timing characteristics. The tool provides various visualizations to explore the controlled system behavior. It also provides techniques to analyze and optimize system productivity.

Currently, LSAT does not provide the possibility to model and analyze actions that need to happen just-in-time and need to conform to deadlines. You can specify that action A is followed by action B, but you cannot yet enforce that A should be delayed to ensure that it ends right before B starts. This means that currently, we cannot model and analyze situations like the pizzeria example. In this assignment we want to investigate how LSAT can be extended in this direction. We have two industrial use case domains (wafer handling and production printing) that require this extension, and that can be used to validate the solution.

You are an MSc student Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Embedded Systems looking for a graduation assignment of 6-9 months. You have an interest in model-based development, preferably knowledge of domain-specific languages and model transformations. You think it is a challenge to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and like your graduation assignment to show the benefits of scientific system development methods in a high-tech organization.

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

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After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Students must reside in the Netherlands before the start and also throughout the internship or graduation project at TNO.